Half term trip

Had a lovely trip out yesterday to Groombridge Place.

I thought the kids would like it as they have an "Enchanted Forest", but they key reason was that just over 7 years ago it's where I got married.

It was such a strange feeling going down the drive, I got goosebumps thinking how nervous I was last time I was there.

If it looks familiar, it was the home to the Bennett's in Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 Keira Knightley version).

The formal gardens are lovely..

But we didn't get to stay long there though as the kids were keen to explore the rest of the grounds...

Lots of stuff for them to do, plus a bird of prey demonstration, and a few other creatures..

It's a zedonk by the way - a donkey/ zebra cross.

All set in gorgeous woodland

Definitely worth checking out if you're in the Kent area.

So this is the kind of thing I've been doing this week instead of making jewellery... I'm itching to get stuff made. Hopefully I'll get some time over the weekend.

Dublin - was brill!

Back again, and what a lovely lovely time we all had.

I must admit I was a little unsure what to expect. Anyone we'd asked about Dublin said it was brilliant, and they'd had an amazing time, "but oh... you're taking the kids... oh no we went pre-kids...., it was a hen do/ romantic weekend away etc..."

BUT we had a fantastic time. We had stayed in the south dock area, near Bono's recording studio apparently...

Here the old Dublin of dock workers and canal trade meets the new trendy Dublin of state-of-the-art theatres, offices and restaurants. The architecture is stunning!!

 
There's just an amazing mix of old and new all around.

We were only there for 2 full days so we didn't get a chance to do too much sight seeing - just the National Gallery and the Zoo, as well as a wander around the city centre. Unfortunately littlest is still a little young for too much wandering (we didn't take a buggy).

Hmmmmm looking at those fantastic markings on the giraffes gives me some jewellery ideas..
 
We took the girls out for dinner and lunch both days. On Richards birthday we went to a fab Thai restaurant Saba which was very grown up, but which catered for kids brilliantly, with colouring in, and a fab kids menu (fish tempura went down a treat!)

And did it rain?

Who cares!

Dublin

We're off to Dublin for a few days tomorrow. I can't wait; I've not been before and I've heard it's a fantastic city.

Richard has plans for us to visit the James Joyce museum. Whilst I'm sure 3 yo would love to have an in depth discussion about the central cast of characters in Finnegans Wake I will probably take eldest around Phoenix Park while he's in there.

Looks like it's going to rain most of the time we're there, but we have macs, and there's lots of fun to be had in puddle jumping.

Will show you some pics on our return!

While I'm there I have some copper clay drying which I can't wait to fire on my return - I'll have pics soon.

Have a great week!